Charlotte Hornets Baseball Tribute Set for August 5

(Uptown Charlotte, NC) - Baseball officially returned to the city of Charlotte exactly three months ago today (April 11). With the return of America's pastime and the re-introduction of baseball to Charlotte, over a century of rich baseball history and traditions have been reborn. On Tuesday, August 5, the Charlotte Knights are set to re-introduce some of Charlotte's baseball history with a special Charlotte Hornets Tribute at BB&T Ballpark.

Baseball in the city of Charlotte dates back to 1892 when the Charlotte Hornets baseball team first called the Queen City home. For over 70 years, baseball in Charlotte was represented by the Charlotte Hornets. The franchise won 12 league championships over the years and National Baseball Hall-of-Famers Harmon Killebrew and Early Wynn played for the Hornets. Other stars such as Tony Oliva, Rick Dempsey, and Tom Kelly, who managed the Minnesota Twins to two World Series Championships (1987 and 1991), also played for the Hornets.

As the Charlotte Knights and Gwinnett Braves face off in an International League South Division showdown at 7:05 p.m. on August 5, much of the evening's focus will be on the re-introduction of some of Charlotte's baseball stars from yesteryears returning home to Charlotte.

Charlie Manuel, who guided the Charlotte Knights to their first-ever Governors' Cup Championship in 1993, is set to make his return to the Charlotte area for the tribute. Manuel played for the Charlotte Hornets in 1968 and hit .283 with 13 home runs and 79 RBIs. The former Hornets star went on to play six seasons in the majors (four with the Twins) before becoming a Major League manager with the Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies. Manuel guided the Phillies to the club's second World Series title in franchise history, winning the 2008 World Series over the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Joining Manuel are more than 20 former Hornets players, coaches, and managers, including 10-year Hornets veteran and former Charlotte O's coach Minnie Mendoza, along with Bill Barkley, Bob Beckner, Ezell Carter, Ron Clark, Ray Corbin, Glenn Ezell, Carl Finafrock, Bob Gebhard, Ken Gill, Jim Glover, John Goryl, Wayne Hattaway, Jim Nettles, Chuck Nieson, Mike Nunn, Rick Renick, Curt Sauer, Ray Shoup, Gene Verble, Harry Warner, and Bill Whitby. Gates are set to open at 6:00 p.m. and the Knights will hold a special pre-game ceremony. The first 2,000 fans will receive a Charlotte Hornets Tribute poster. 

"We see this as a very special day at BB&T Ballpark as we pay tribute and honor some of the legendary Charlotte Hornets players that called Charlotte home over the years," said Knights GM of Baseball Operations Scotty Brown. "Much like our Charlotte O's Tribute in April, this will be a day that fans in the Charlotte area can enjoy as they relive some great memories."

Fans are encouraged to share their Hornets memories with the Knights on the team's official Facebook and Twitter pages using hashtag #HornetsTribute. Single-game tickets for this game, as well as games for the 2014 inaugural season at BB&T Ballpark in Uptown Charlotte are available by phone at 704-357-8071, online at www.charlotteknights.com, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office. Uptown Knights Are Better Than Ever!